Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers
The FA Cup, Semi-Finals
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
16 April 2005, 12.15



Paul Dickov will be a key figure for Blackburn when they take on Arsenal in Saturday’s FA Cup Semi-Final in Cardiff.

The diminutive striker was the match-winner for Rovers in their quarter-final clash with Leicester, knocking out his former club by scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

Dickov also played his part in the win over Burnley in the previous round, causing problems for the Clarets defenders with his non-stop running.

The Scotland international may not be a prolific goalscorer, but his impressive work-rate makes him a real asset. He always gives 100 per cent effort and helps create chances for others.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has paid tribute to Dickov on a number of occasions since succeeding Graeme Souness in the Rovers hot-seat last September.

He said: '"Paul is a small guy who puts in big performances. He is an influence in every game we play.

"Paul has that ability to score goals from inside and outside the box and he is having a fantastic season. He has got great enthusiasm, a great work ethic and drags other players along with him.

"He harasses players and does not give the back four any time to settle. Defenders do not like to play against him and he makes things happen."

Dickov joined Blackburn from Leicester for £150,000 last summer and he has been a virtual automatic first-team choice for the Ewood Park outfit this term, scoring ten goals.

The game against Arsenal has special significance for Dickov as he began his career at Highbury, scoring seven goals in 26 appearances before being sold to Manchester City in 1996.